Each and Every
Use each and every with singular nouns and agreement while distinguishing individual focus from whole-group generalisation.
Learning Objective
Each and Every
Choose each or every to express the intended viewpoint and maintain correct noun and verb agreement.
Clear Explanation
Each focuses on members individually and can be a determiner or pronoun. Every is a determiner that presents all members of a group as a complete set; both normally take a singular countable noun and singular verb.
Form and Structure
each/every + singular countable noun + singular verb; each of + plural noun/pronoun
“Each student has a locker.”
After each of, formal agreement is singular, though plural agreement occurs informally when the plural complement strongly influences the speaker.
Meaning and Use
Individual focus
Each is natural when members are considered one by one, especially in small or definite groups.
“She spoke to each participant.”
Complete group
Every generalises across all members and is used for groups of three or more.
“The bus comes every ten minutes.”
Of-construction
Use each of, not every of, before a determiner or object pronoun.
“each of these books; each of us”
Common Errors and Meaning Traps
Every students have a card.
Every student has a card.
Every takes a singular countable noun and normally a singular verb.
Every of the rooms is ready.
Each of the rooms is ready.
Use each of; every does not directly form an of-construction.
Each answers are different.
Each answer is different.
Use a singular noun and singular agreement after determiner each.
Guided Practice
Use the grammar in context
“Every room has a window.”
“Each of the answers is possible.”
Describe one group with each, every, each of, and every plus a time expression.
Quick Recap
Each focuses on members individually and can be a determiner or pronoun. Every is a determiner that presents all members of a group as a complete set; both normally take a singular countable noun and singular verb.
Each is natural when members are considered one by one, especially in small or definite groups.
After each of, formal agreement is singular, though plural agreement occurs informally when the plural complement strongly influences the speaker.
Every takes a singular countable noun and normally a singular verb.
Independent Mastery Check
Complete these four checks before taking the quiz. If one feels difficult, return to the matching section and try again.
Explain the core rule in your own words without looking back at the lesson.
Find the target form in “Each student has a locker.” and explain what it communicates in this context.
Explain why “Every student has a card.” is the recommended revision for “Every students have a card.”.
Describe one group with each, every, each of, and every plus a time expression.
Continue at B1-B2 Level
Aim for at least 5 out of 6 in the quiz below. For every missed answer, read the explanation, return to the relevant section, and try the quiz again.
Which statement best explains Each and Every?
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